Concussion Prevention

What is a concussion?

Concussion is a type of brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head, face, neck, or by a hit to the body that causes the brain to move rapidly in the skull. Concussions cannot be seen on routine X-rays, CT scans or MRIs. 

Common symptoms of a concussion include: 

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Balance problems 
• Fatigue
• Sensitivity to light or noise

Most children recover from a concussion within two to four weeks with appropriate care and management. However, some children may experience symptoms that last longer.

Concussions can happen anywhere, including at home, at play or while moving in the car.

Why is home safety important for concussion prevention?

For young children, falls are one of the most common causes of concussion and other serious injuries. Falls can occur on stairs, from beds or furniture, while climbing, or from slips and trips around the home.

Taking steps to prevent falls can help reduce the risk of concussions. 

To learn more about preventing children’s falls at home, please click here .

Why is playground safety important for concussion prevention?

Active play and recreation are important for children’s development, health and wellbeing, and playgrounds provide a great place for children to explore, be active and have fun.

Concussions on playgrounds can occur from falls from playground equipment, such as monkey bars, climbing structures or from being struck by another person or an object. Children can also be at risk of concussions during recreational activities and sports through falls, collisions or contact with equipment or other players. 

Taking steps to prevent falls, collisions and other hazards on playgrounds can help reduce the risk of concussions among children.

To learn more about playground safety, please click here.

Why is child passenger safety important for concussion prevention?

Use of age-appropriate car seats and booster seats is the first line of defense in preventing concussions and traumatic brain injuries among children while moving on the road.

Children have a larger head to body size ratio, thinner cranial bones, and less developed neck muscles. This makes them highly susceptible to whiplash style movements and may cause the brain to move inside the skull during sudden stops resulting in a concussion. 

To learn more about child passenger safety, please click here

Preventing Child Passenger Injury | Child Passenger Safety | CDC

Management of the paediatric patient with acute head trauma | Canadian Paediatric Society

A note about helmets: 

Helmets are an important piece of protective equipment for many sports and activities. Helmets can prevent serious head injuries. However, helmets are not proven to prevent concussions. To learn more about helmet safety, click here.